By Nichole Richardson

Valley Industries Sheltered Workshop celebrated their 50^th anniversary Saturday, March 4 at the 10^th Annual Mayors’ Shamrock Ball fundraiser. Headlined by KSDK-TV, News Channel 5’s chief meteorologist Craig Moeller, the nearly 500 guests all came to show their support while enjoying a night of great food, dancing, and prizes.

In addition to getting all the proceeds from the Shamrock Ball, Valley Industries’ Board President Don Ceresia and Executive Director Jim Guyre were elated when they also received a first-of-its-kind proclamation from all five

participating city mayors.

   “To have the five Mayors’ from our surrounding municipalities do a joint proclamation, was truly inspiring. These exceptional documents along with photographs from the past ten years of Shamrock Balls with past kings and queens will be proudly displayed in our lobby for public viewing,” said Guyre.

Valley Industries was also given proclamations from the Missouri Senate, Missouri House of Representatives, and Governor Greitens.

Valley Industries opened March 13, 1967 as the Florissant Valley Sheltered Workshop and has grown tremendously due to in-house funding and generous grants from the Productive Living Board for Capital Safety Improvements and land donations from Ameren.

They are a proud member of the Missouri Association of Sheltered Workshop Managers, which present opportunities available for Missourians with disabilities.

The Association is a leader in the field of disability awareness through education, advocacy, and the creation of opportunities for people with disabilities. Many of Missouri’s workshops operate robust community programs, both for employment opportunities and to increase involvement. Valley Industries teaches work skills, socializing and other important learning skills, along with giving a

sense of contributing to the community and local businesses.

“As our mission statement describes, Valley Industries strives to provide safe, dignified and meaningful employment to very special people with developmental disabilities. To be a productive part of society, to earn a paycheck, to pay taxes like every other working American and most of all to be proud to work on jobs for some of St. Louis’ Premiere Corporations,” said Guyre.

This Spring, Valley Industries’ workers are stuffing about 15,000 Easter Eggs with candy in preparation for two major Easter events in Hazelwood.

No only does Valley Industries help and employ those with disabilities, it also recognizes and rewards outstanding employees with an Employee of the Month program. This year, both a male and a female employee won King and Queen of the Mayors’ Shamrock Ball; the latter being an employee who has been with Valley Industries for their entire 50 year duration.

“Our Queen Rosemary Barker, will have 50 years with us in June of this year 2017. When asked what it meant to be crowned Queen, her reply was that she is a very hard worker. Pat Leffler was recognized for our longest working employee with 50 years this month, March 2017. Pat said she was very happy and amazed by the special attention,” said Guyre.

It is obvious that Valley Industries has had a huge impact on the lives of those who work for them and with them. Their encouragement and dedication over the past fifty years to those people with special needs is a continual advantage for individuals and the community alike.

“We undoubtedly are committed to be here for generations and decades to come,” promised Guyre.

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